ObjectiveTo comparatively evaluate the therapeutic effect of puerarin on bone mineral density of the mandible and femur in ovariectomized rats, and to investigate the association between TNF-α, CRP and E₂. Methods40 female 3-month old SD rats were divided into 4 groups randomly:sham operation group (sham), ovariectomized (OVX) group, ovariectomized group with injection of estrogen (OVX-estrogen) and ovariectomized group with injection of puerarin. After 3 months, TNF-α, CRP and E2 in the serum were tested. Meanwhile, the bone mineral density of the mandible and femur was measured. ResultsThe body weight of OVX-puerarin group was signficantly higher than that of sham group (P < 0.01). Compared with OVX-estrogen group, the TNF-α, CRP and E₂ serum level of OVX-puerarin group was significantly lower (respectively P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.01). As to mandible and distal femur bone mineral density, there were no significant difference among OVX-puerarin group, sham group and OVX group, but the proximal femur bone mineral density of OVX-puerarin group was significantly higher than that of OVX-estrogen group (P < 0.05). ConclusionAs an anti-inflammatory factor, puerarin can significantly reduce the level of TNF-α and CRP in the serum, but can’t promote the level of E₂ in the serum in ovariectomized rats. Puerarin has some therapeutic effect on the ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis, but can significantly increase the body weight of ovariectomized rats. 